Tackling Air Pollution In London By Enacting A Low Emission Zone

"The London mayor is likely to draw criticism from businesses today (May 9) as he outlines plans to create a low-emission zone (LEZ) in the capital.

Ken Livingstone is expected to confirm that older, "dirtier" lorries and buses will be charged £200 a day to drive in London.

The LEZ will cover all of London's 33 boroughs, rather than the smaller congestion zone, which straddles central and western areas of the city. The new zone will be policed by existing congestion charge cameras, which monitor traffic entering the capital. Fines will be far more punitive than the congestion scheme, with transgressors facing a bill of up to £1,000."

"The LEZ is a specified area within which the most polluting diesel engined trucks, buses, coaches, large vans and minibuses will be required to meet specified Euro emissions targets or pay a charge. The LEZ does not apply to cars or motorcycles."

"London suffers from the worst air quality in the UK and the proposed low-emission zone would target those diesel engine lorries, coaches, buses, heavier vans and minibuses which are pumping out the most harmful pollutants," he said.

"Transport for London, the capital's transport body, estimates the LEZ would prevent about 40 deaths a year from pollution-related illnesses and avoid up to 86 hospital admissions."

In addition to the announcement of the LEZ, "Mr Livingstone also plans to adapt the £8-a-day congestion charge so the most polluting vehicles pay £25 a day to enter."